A method to develop mock arteries suitable for cell seeding and in-vitro cell culture experiments

Abstract

Sylgard((R)) is a biocompatible elastomer which has been widely used in biomedical applications including in simulations of the mechanical response of soft tissues and mechanotransduction investigations. In this study the effect of fabrication parameters including base to curing agent ratio and curing time on the mechanical response of Sylgard((R)) was investigated and a novel fabrication technique for the production of mock arteries with highly uniform thickness, which is essential for mechanotransduction studies, is described. Finally a method for the surface treatment of Sylgard((R)) using sulphuric acid and fibronectin to enhance smooth muscle cell (SMC) adhesion is proposed and examined in vitro. Sylgard((R)) mock coronary arteries fabricated using the proposed technique exhibited a mechanical response close to arterial tissue with cell adhesion enhanced using the surface treatment techniques described.

Investigation of a small-diameter decellularised artery as a potential scaffold for vascular tissue engineering; biomechanical evaluation and preliminary cell seeding

“…A similar trend for the decellularised PCA scaffolds could show recovery of the native mechanical properties. In this context, future tests will investigate further the migration and infiltration of cells into the natural matrix scaffold over longer time periods in both static culture conditions and in a vascular bioreactor j o u r n a l o f t h e m e c h a n i c a l b e h a v i o r o f b i o m e d i c a l m a t e r i a l s 1 4 ( 2 0 1 2 ) 1 3 0 -1 4 2 which simulates physiological conditions (Colombo et al, 2010) to determine the changes in mechanical properties that occur as a result. This will provide further insights into the potential of the porcine natural matrix scaffold as a viable TEBV scaffold.…”

Device-Based In Vitro Techniques for Mechanical Stimulation of Vascular Cells: A Review

“…This method still necessitates more sophisticated techniques to account for unsteady FSS and diameter [20,134]. The vessel mechanical properties are also more uniform and easier to characterize [170]. As with explanted vessels, ultrasonic sensors can be used to measure the flow rate and flow profile [166].…”

“…To alter the magnitude of CS, researchers may change the applied pressure waveform and/or the properties of the vessel itself. Varying the wall thickness or using a material with a different elastic modulus will increase or decrease compliance, altering the stretch experienced by the cells without changing pressure [136,149,170]. A cuff around the mock artery may also be used to reduce stretch [149].…”

“…Materials used to construct the mock artery include PVA cryogel [170], silicone elastomers [136,153,161,166], and 3D PLCL scaffolds [157]. Sylgard V R 184 (Dow Corning, Midland, MI), a commercially available silicone elastomer, has been used several times in mock artery applications [131,149,152,154,170]. One benefit of this material is that it comes as a kit with the uncured polymer base and curing agent.…”

“…One benefit of this material is that it comes as a kit with the uncured polymer base and curing agent. The elastic modulus of the mock artery (and, therefore, how much it stretches under pressure) can be customized by using different ratios of base to curing agent [149,170]. Use of a rigid mold can improve consistency of mock artery geometry [169].…”